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We have completed another week of MLB action, making it time to make more waiver wire moves. With more and more injuries and players slumping, it is time to start changing our rosters. I want to emphasize that it is still not time to panic about your core players. Do not go dropping early picks that are just slumping out the gate. If they are still struggling in a few weeks, we can look at the underlying metrics to see if a drop is in play.
Early in the season, we are interested in players off to hot starts and, more importantly, showing sustainable improvements from last season. With the early injuries, we are also looking into players that may be receiving more playing time. Some of the lower rostered players, or some not mentioned here, are on the solid side of platoons, so make sure you are not adding them if they have a negative schedule. Lastly, the names in the article are in order of percentage rostered, not so much in my preference of adding to your roster. This article will discuss fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for the outfield in Week 11, June 20 through June 26.
In the first few weeks, rostered percentages can change quickly. So be quick to check your leagues for their availability. When you want to chat about outfielders, prospects, or dynasty leagues, message me directly on Twitter at @bdentrek. Key points - this list will focus on rostered players in less than 50% of Yahoo! leagues.
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Trent Grisham, San Diego Padres
37% Rostered
It was a plodding start to the season for Grisham, but things are looking up for the first-place Padres outfielder. Over the last couple of weeks, Grisham has hit .268 with two home runs and two stolen bases. In addition, he has scored 14 runs over this stretch with a .179 ISO and 117 wRC+. Those were Grisham's first two stolen bases on the season, and now he has five home runs. On the season, Grisham is now hitting .188 with a 79 wRC+, proving the last few weeks have put Grisham back on the fantasy radar. The Padres are one of the hottest teams in baseball, and hopefully, Grisham can keep hitting and move up the batting order to increase his fantasy value.
Avisail Garcia, Miami Marlins
30% Rostered
Since June 1, Garcia has begun to hit. He is not hitting with much power, but he is hitting to the tune of a .319 batting average. Garcia only has one home run in June, which came a few games ago, but does have a 44.4% hard-hit rate, so hopefully, more power is coming. When looking at Garcia's quality of contact metrics, he has an elite maxEV to go with a charming hard-hit rate decent 7.9% barrel rate. All of the xStats also suggest that some positive regression should be coming in Garcia's way. As the Marlins continue to surprise many offensively, Garcia should keep producing for fantasy players everywhere.
Alex Kirilloff, Minnesota Twins
22% Rostered
Kirilloff returned from an injury a few weeks back and was quickly sent to Triple-A. Over the past month in the minors, all Kirilloff has done is rake. He hit .385 with 10 home runs, 32 runs scored, and 31 RBI. Kirilloff finally got the call back to the Twins this weekend, which means he is a must-add. We love Kirilloff for his power upside, which he showcased last season with a 12.8% barrel rate and 44% hard-hit rate. Assuming Kirilloff is healthy, he should be based on his production in the minors, then he is a great addition this week, and a near must play out the gate.
Alek Thomas, Arizona Diamondbacks
20% Rostered
Thomas was one of the hottest pick-ups when he first was called up by the DBacks, but after a hot start, he cooled down quite a bit. However, that appears to be changing as he entered Saturday riding a nine-game hitting streak. He has only one double over the streak but has three stolen bases to go with a 13.2% walk rate. The three steals were the first for Thomas this season, and they go with five home runs and a .276 batting average. Thomas has showcased good power and speed throughout the minors, and it is time to jump back on board as he is heating up again.
Riley Greene, Detroit Tigers
N/A% Rostered
Greene was on track to start the season with the Tigers after a strong spring training, but an injury derailed that, and he has spent most of the season in the minors since returning from injury. In the minors, Greene hit .279 with a home run and four stolen bases over 17 games. Throughout his time in the minor, he has showcased power and speed with batting average skills to boot. In his debut on Saturday, Greene collected two hits and two walks, already proving some strong fantasy skills. Greene is one of the must adds of the week wherever he is available.
Deeper League Waiver Wire
You can check out my NFBC deeper league waiver wire article, which comes out every Saturday, looking at deeper-league waiver wire options at various positions.
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